Sunday, January 11, 2009

The Golden Globe's, 'We're so humbled'

I watched as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association handed out the Golden Globe awards in a long and often boring show that demonstrated at least two things: First, Kate Winslet -- shockingly, I think -- seems to have studied at the Halle Berry school of awards acceptance. An uncontrollably emotional Winslet won best supporting actress ("The Reader") and best actress ("Revolutionary Road"). Second, well who knows what Mickey Rourke's acceptance speech (for best actor) demonstrated? Possibly that he loves his dogs. Rourke managed to provoke Darren Aronofsky, who directed Rourke in "The Wrester," into giving him the finger, a gesture of taunting good will or something like that. The two funniest people in the room: Ricky Gervais and Sacha Baron Cohen. Should we regard the evening as a bellwether for Oscar? I wouldn't think so, and, who knows, the Globe selection of "Slumdog Millionaire" as best dramatic picture may even hurt the movie's Academy Award chances. Oscar voters may not wish to be seen as rubber-stamping the Globes. For the record, it's probably important to point out that Tahiti is represented among the HFPA membership, which has less than 100 members. I don't know why exactly why it's important to know that Tahiti boasts one member, but then I don't know why the Globes are all that important, either, unless it's to provide more fodder for movie advertising. "Winner of (fill the in the blank) Golden Globes." If you missed the show and insist on knowing the winning slate, check the HFPA Web site.

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About Me

For 27 years, I was the film critic at The Rocky Mountain News, a Denver daily that has now vanished from the publishing scene. The paper's only round of buyouts made it possible for me to do something I've been wanting to do for some time: seek out new challenges. Since leaving the News, I've made a short film (with a partner), and have done some teaching. Of course, I still love movies and writing about them. So hang out, browse around and feel free to chime in, as well.